Unified Development Code (UDC)

City Council adopted a new zoning ordinance, which went into effect January 1, 2023.  The Rochester City Council voted 7-0 to adopt the Unified Development Code (UDC) as the City's new zoning ordinance at the September 7, 2022 City Council Meeting (watch a recording of the meeting).  The previous UDC had been in place since 1995.

A zoning ordinance regulates the manner in which private property can be developed. The Unified Development Code will modernize zoning standards to reflect the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. New organization, graphics and simplified language will make the code easier to interpret for everyone. A primary objective of this project was to create a truly unified development code which houses all of Rochester's development regulations while creating consistency and predictability for residents, neighborhoods, developers, and business owners.

• View the Unified Development Code

Please be aware, we are actively working to assure compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.  If you experience difficulty accessing the content or need it in an alternative format, please contact us at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600, and we will be happy to assist you.

1. Identify the Base Zoning District

What is a base zoning district?

•  A base zoning district prescribes basic regulations governing land use and site development standards. Rochester’s base zone districts are: Agricultural (AG), Residential (R), Mixed Use (MX), and nonresidential (BP, LI, SI, H).

How do I find the base zoning district for my property?

•  Open Rochester’s Zoning and Development Map, found on the Planning and Zoning page, and search for your property address on the top right-hand side of the map. The map is color-coded according to the zone district.

2. Review Your Base Zoning District Standards

What are base zoning district standards?

• Base zone district standards define the purpose of the zoning district, lot dimensions, building setbacks, building/structure height, etc. that are allowed in each zoning district.

How do I find the base zoning district standards for my property?

• In Section 60.200.030 of the UDC, review the text that corresponds to your base zoning district.

3. Review the Overlay District (if applicable)

What is an overlay district?

• Overlay districts are a set of standards that supplement, but do not replace, underlying base zoning districts. Rochester’s five overlay districts are: the Airport Overlay (APO), Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO), Shoreland District Overlay (SDO), Decorah Edge Overlay (DEO), Floodplain Overlay (FPO).

How do I find the district overlay for my property?

• Review Section 60.200.040 of the UDC to determine if any overlay districts apply to the property.

4. Find the Permitted Uses of the Property

What are the permitted uses of the property?

• Permitted uses detail the required approvals for the property. Approval routes include: City Teammate approval (S), Planning Commission Approval (P), City Council Approval (C).

How do I find the permitted uses for my property?

• Review Section 60.300.010D of the UDC, which includes a chart showing which approvals apply according to the potential use of the property and base zone district

• You may choose to further review your use-specific standards in Section 60.300.020.

For smaller projects such as sheds and ADUs, the recommended section within Use Regulation would be 60.300.020.G – Accessory Uses and Structures.

5. Review What Standards Apply

What are standards?

• Standards regulate the physical layout and design of development within Rochester. These standards address the physical relationship between development and adjacent or abutting properties, public streets, neighborhoods, and the natural environment.

How do I find the standards for my property?

• Review Section 60.400 of the UDC to determine what standards apply to your development; standards may include: Dimensional Standards; Subdivision Standards; Access and Connectivity; Sensitive Lands, Stormwater, and Drainage; Landscaping, Bufferyards, and Fences; Site and Building Design; Parking; Exterior Storage; Exterior Lighting; and Signs.

For smaller projects such as fences or patios, the recommended sections within Development Standards would be Section 60.400.020.G – Exceptions to the Dimensional Standards and Section 60.400.060.E – Fences, Walls, and Hedges.

6. Find What Procedures May Be Required

What are the procedures?

• Procedures detail the review process required for each development proposal to ensure consistency and equity.

How do I find the procedures for my property?

• Review Section 60.500 of the UDC to determine what applies to the Land Development Proposal. Then, review the following sections for each meeting or review type for more details.

For smaller projects, such as those listed earlier, the most common procedure would be a Zoning Certificate with information found in Section 60.500.060. A – Zoning Certificate. When you are ready to apply, the online form is listed under “Applications” on the Planning and Zoning Applications page.

A Building Permit may be required in place of a Zoning Certificate. Go to the Building Permits Page of the Rochester website.

Questions? Contact communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 for assistance.